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Shocking! The Art and Fashion of Elsa Schiaparelli

In December 1939 Schiaparelli arrived on the Dixie Clipper for a two-week stay in New York City. According to Vogue for January 15, 1940, she arrived with “limited luggage, unlimited chic.” Four frameless, zipper-closed bags contained an entire wardrobe, the basis of which was black, apart from a warm brown wool suit and a blue corduroy sport dress. The ensembles in black included three simple day dresses, a wool suit, three slim evening dresses, and two jackets that could be worn with either day or evening dresses. One of those jackets was this black rayon crêpe with gold embroidery and oversize pockets, from Schiaparelli’s collection for spring 1940. The designer reported to the American press that despite the war in Europe, the Parisian couture would continue to do all it could to supply the American market. During her visit, Women’s Wear Daily reported on December 15 that she had been approached by representatives of the Museum of Modern Art to direct a division of modern commercial design. Dilys E. Blum, from Shocking! The Art and Fashion of Elsa Schiaparelli (2003), p. 235.